Alex and Ani gives $1M to Bryant

CRANSTON – Jewelry design company Alex and Ani Inc. has committed to a $1 million donation to Bryant University over 10 years.

The company will give $100,000 annually to the university’s International Business program.

Alex and Ani first began its relationship with Bryant in 2010, seeking guidance through the John H. Chafee Center for International Business on expanding its business to Spain, a news release said. It later became one 17 partners with the International Business program’s hands-on Senior Practicum, during which seniors serve as business consultants.

“The immense professionalism of the Chafee Center and its director, Ray Fogarty, along with the detailed feedback and continuous support provided by the practicum team … [has] proven extremely valuable in our global business expansion strategy,” said CEO Giovanni Feroce.

“Corporate partnerships like this one with Alex and Ani give our students opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom as they prepare to lead in a global context,” said Jose-Marie Griffiths, vice president for academic affairs.

“In addition, the company is an especially relevant corporate role model. Its domestic success is turning into an international success in front of our students’ eyes, and its commitment to corporate philanthropy offers Bryant students an example to follow.”

Alex and Ani owner Carolyn Rafaelian’s father graduated from Bryant in 1955, and in honor of the donation, the Chafee Center renamed its conference room the Ralph Rafaelian ’55 Conference Room.

Get the most up-to-date data on the Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts business community from the PBN List Center. Download and purchase PBN Lists as well as the complete Book of Lists in Excel format.